The Conference

Ways of Knowing

Thursday 22 & Friday 23 July 2027 · Naarm/Melbourne & online

The Neurodiversity Affirming Therapy Conference Australia & LOAPAC Expo returns for its third year in 2027. Since launching in 2025, more than 300 people have joined us each year, in person in Melbourne and online from around the world, for two days of learning and connection. We can’t wait to do it again.

Our 2027 theme, Ways of Knowing, asks how knowledge is made and whose knowledge counts: lived experience alongside research, community wisdom alongside clinical expertise, and the many ways neurodivergent people come to understand themselves and the world.

The conference brings together leading voices in neurodiversity affirming practice and beyond, with keynote and invited speaker sessions from international and national presenters, a research symposium, expert panel discussions on a range of topics, and an exhibition hosted by LOAPAC (The League of Autistic Psychologists and Affirming Colleagues).

Keynote speakers for 2027

Our keynotes and invited presenters will be announced on [date]. Past keynotes have included Professor Nick Walker, Associate Professor Monique Botha and Sonny Jane Wise.

Many more speakers, panels and invited sessions will be announced in the lead-up to the conference.

Research symposium

The research symposium shares recent research developments and projects from across the field. Our call for abstracts is now open and closes [date]. [Submit an abstract →]

LOAPAC Expo

Members of LOAPAC Australia will present on social justice and clinical practice matters, and LOAPAC will again host an exhibition where professionals and organisations run stalls showcasing their work, resources, materials and opportunities for further learning. [Exhibitor and sponsor information →]

Attending

The conference can be attended in person or online. Both in-person and online registrants receive access to the presentation recordings for three months after the conference.

The conference will feature two dedicated sensory areas: sensory chill and sensory seek. One is a quiet space with dim lighting, comfortable seating and fidgets; the other is a space to connect and express your energy.

The conference is organised and run by a dedicated team of neurodivergent professionals, academics and event organisers with a passion for learning, connection and inclusion.

Please see our FAQ if you have any questions, or feel free to contact us.